Temptations are always before me...
Illustration
Temptations are always before me. My driving habits have caused more than one angel to
cringe, I am sure. One day, when I was in a particular hurry to make a hospital call, I was
speeding down a state route. I was late for seeing a patient that I had promised to pray
with before surgery. I was making good time, doing 85 mph. Suddenly, coming the other
direction was a state trooper. He was unable to immediately turn around as traffic behind
him was pressing him and there were no side roads. He, of course, flipped on his lights. I
knew I was caught!
As I slowed down, I spied a church called "Peace Lutheran." I thought, "This ticket is going to cost me and I am on the Lord's business." I got the idea that I could hide behind the church and wait for a while and then go on my way. So, I hid. I got out of the car and went into the church.
I left the church about fifteen minutes later. I didn't see the state trooper anywhere and actually arrived at the hospital just in time to pray with the patient. We were laughing in the waiting room about my nearly late arrival. I didn't share what I had done by hiding.
As I was leaving the hospital, I passed the state police office. The still, small voice said, "David, go and confess what you have done." I went in, met the officer on duty and explained my actions expecting to be ticketed. Much to my surprise, the trooper on duty responded, "Go your way and drive safely evermore."
Whenever I am tempted to drive irresponsibly, I remember how I was forgiven that day and realize that my hurry only causes me to fall short of God's glory for my ministry.
As I slowed down, I spied a church called "Peace Lutheran." I thought, "This ticket is going to cost me and I am on the Lord's business." I got the idea that I could hide behind the church and wait for a while and then go on my way. So, I hid. I got out of the car and went into the church.
I left the church about fifteen minutes later. I didn't see the state trooper anywhere and actually arrived at the hospital just in time to pray with the patient. We were laughing in the waiting room about my nearly late arrival. I didn't share what I had done by hiding.
As I was leaving the hospital, I passed the state police office. The still, small voice said, "David, go and confess what you have done." I went in, met the officer on duty and explained my actions expecting to be ticketed. Much to my surprise, the trooper on duty responded, "Go your way and drive safely evermore."
Whenever I am tempted to drive irresponsibly, I remember how I was forgiven that day and realize that my hurry only causes me to fall short of God's glory for my ministry.
